r something to take us home," she said pluckily.

"Our truck isn't exactly comfortable," suggested Mr. Curtis, "but I fancy
it would be the quickest way."

"Decidedly!" agreed the man. "The nearest house is two miles off, and my
own place isn't more than double that. But wouldn't it be inconveniencing
you?"

"Not a bit! We have plenty of time; and anyway, your man ought to have a
doctor's attention as soon as possible. The boys can wait here till the
truck comes back."

Without further delay he motioned Ward and Crancher to help the chauffeur
and led the way to the truck. Full of interest and curiosity, the
others watched them take their places, saw the engine started, and
remained staring after the lumbering vehicle until it had passed out
of sight around the curve. Then began an eager discussion of the whole
affair, until finally some one suggested building a fire and drying out
their wet clothes. The latter process was still going on when the
truck returned, after nearly an hour's absence, and Mr. Curtis leaped
out. As he came up to the group he was smiling.

"Who was it, sir?" called several of the scouts at once. "Did you find
out?"

"I did." The scoutmaster's smile deepened a little. "You can have three
guesses."

There was a moment's puzzled silence; then, "Mr. Thornton?" hazarded
Court Parker, flippantly.

"Not quite," laughed Mr. Curtis; "only his brother and niece."

Parker gasped in surprise; so did several others. Then a shout went up,
and a volley of questions was poured at the scoutmaster.

"Did you meet Mr. Thornton?"

"Does he still think scouting isn't any good?"

"He failed to say," returned Mr. Curtis, his eyes twinkling. "I hoped, of
course, that he'd fall on my neck and declare he was all wrong and
that scouting was the most wonderful thing in the world. But apparently
he isn't that sort. There's no question, though, that he was favorably
impressed, and with this good beginning I trust we can bring him around
before camp is over. Pile in now, fellows. We're late already and
mustn't waste any more time."

About an hour afterward they rumbled over a bridge, ran along a rather
sluggish stream for a quarter of a mile or so, and then entered the
little village of Clam Cove, where they found Captain Chalmers and Mr.
Knox, one of the scoutmasters, somewhat impatiently awaiting them. Full
of excitement, the boys piled out, gathered up their luggage, and made
tracks for the two motor-boats t